My finest memories of past Mothers' Days, especially as a younger mother, are my breakfasts in bed. Russ did a fine job shepherding our two young daughters through the cooking production followed by an elaborate delivery, while I enjoyed coffee and the Oregonian as I lounged in bed that one day each year. The breakfast … Continue reading Coming full circle
joy and grief
A last bath
I am immersed in the editing of my next memoir, to be released early in 2024. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy the various stages of editing my books. While there is no feeling equal to the initial "can't stop" crafting of its first draft, I find the thoughtful editing stages deeply satisfying. … Continue reading A last bath
Spring forward with hope
What was this emotion I was feeling? The pink cherry blossoms dotted the sidewalk. I replaced my rain jacket with my down parka as the unseasonably cold wind struck my core. I wouldn't feel rays of sunshine on this stroll; raindrops left tracks on my glasses upon my return. And yet, I felt so much … Continue reading Spring forward with hope
Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
Yes, sometimes it’s hard for me to temper my excitement to share news, like a new book release, with the concern that it may be too soon to share. Oh well. It is my book and my news, after all! The punchline is: I am thrilled to let supporters like you know that Bedazzled Ink … Continue reading Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
I’m in love
This week I became a grandmother. As excited as I was, I was unprepared for the emotion I felt when first seeing this daughter of ours skin to skin with her newly born baby. His body curved, knees to belly, as if to still fit his protective womb of nine months. I bawled in joy … Continue reading I’m in love
About tomorrow
One of the most profound homework assignments I remember from high school was the one requiring me to write my own obituary. The class was called "Values and Conflicts" and I think the teacher created it from the book Values Clarification. I was a top student and loved learning: humanities, advanced composition, but also suffered … Continue reading About tomorrow
Speaking of life
Mom, pregnant me and Audrey at my baby shower in Seattle, 1990 Last weekend I attended a memorial service for my aunt and uncle. This aunt was one of Mom's six sisters: the one I teased about being my favorite before adding,"but don't tell anyone." She would launch her joyous laugh and more times than … Continue reading Speaking of life
Dear Dad, I have news
It is true. I need to tell Dad my news, even though I'm nearly 61. Next best was telling my brothers - they get it. There was something about work-related successes and challenges that our dad keenly understood. Not that Mom didn't, but it always felt different with Dad. Much of my life I had … Continue reading Dear Dad, I have news
Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
First thing this morning I went outside and cut the remaining zinnia blossoms from one of our flower pots. I felt a sense of completion as I cut off large swaths, stripped off the lower drying leaves, and arranged the stems in a vase. Orange, pink, purple. Yes, I too felt a bit of sadness … Continue reading Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
Grief, gratitude and all that lies between
Earlier this month I joined four authors to read our work at Coffee and Grief Podcast. I thank the creators and supporters of this series, Anne, Maria and Scott. Last week's podcast was the 38th month of sharing by writers and hosted by them. What a commitment! Because some of you let me know you … Continue reading Grief, gratitude and all that lies between
Dede's Books and blog 